Three-pronged SLA offensive thwarted - Elilan

[TamilNet, Friday, 06 October 2006, 13:40 GMT]
The Tiger forces repulsed a three-pronged Sri Lanka Army offensive on LTTE controlled Vaharai territory after a defensive fight that lasted for 11 hours, LTTE's Trincomalee District Political Head S. Elilan said. At least seven civilians were wounded in heavy SLA shelling towards civilian settlements. More than 30 SLA troopers were killed, and one wounded soldier was captured alive, Mr. Elilan said. The offensive was launched from Kajuwatte SLA camp, south of Vaharai towards Panichchankerni, from Sinhapura SLA camp 3 km inside the LTTE territory in Kattumurivu and Sri Lanka Navy attempted to land troops in Panichchankerni around 1:00 p.m., according to initial reports from Vaharai.

Three dead bodies of SLA soldiers were also recovered. The Tigers had lost 5 cadres. Seven Tiger fighters were wounded. Sea Tigers defeated Sri Lanka Navy attempt to land troops in Panichchankerni, LTTE's Trincomalee District Political Head said.

One SLN boat sustained damages in the counter-attack, Elilan said.

"Two tractors full of SLA soldiers were killed in our counter-attack," he further said.

"Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir jets bombed our area in 4 sorties today. Heavy artillery shelling was launched from Valiachenai Paper Factory SLA camp."

Underage paramilitary cadres were also brought in by the Sri Lanka Army, according to LTTE officials in Vaharai.

The Tigers were engaged in defensive battle till 5:30 p.m. Friday, the sources added.

Thousands of civilians, most of them IDPs, had sought refuge in Vaharai area.

"This offensive demonstrated that Colombo was not sincere in proceeding with talks," Elilan said.

Medical sources in Polonnaruwa hospital said that at least 5 SLA soldiers and 5 paramiitary cadres were being treated there.